?Chapter 1123:


    Noah’s and Sadie’s attention shifted toward him in perfect synchronization. The suffocating tension that had wound itself around Sadie’s ribs finally began to unravel, allowing her lungs to draw deeper breaths.


    Air escaped her lips in a prolonged exhale of pure gratitude, while the ghost of a smile—delicate as spun ss—graced her tear-stained features.


    “Alex, I can never repay this debt of gratitude.”


    Once her breathing steadied into something resembling normalcy, urgent questions tumbled from her lips.


    “Tell me where you discovered him. Was he…?”


    Alex’s head moved in gentle negation, dismissing her fears with quiet confidence.


    “I consider Averi my son, too. I’ve watched him grow up, protected him through every milestone. Sadie, you can rest easy now—I would never let anything happen to him.”


    Noah’s expression clouded in response to Alex’sment.


    Almost instinctively, he inched forward just enough to quietly position himself between Sadie and the other man.


    When he finally broke the silence, his tone was calm yetmanding, each syble deliberate.


    “I appreciate your efforts, Mr. Howe. I’ll make sure my child personally thanks you sometime soon.”


    The undertone was unmistakable. This was no casual courtesy; it was a firm deration: Averi belonged to him.


    How could Alex pretend not to grasp the warning? His long-suppressed resentment burst to life without restraint.


    He gave a sharp, humorless chuckle, his voice cutting like a de.


    “Mr. Noel. Or is it Mr. Wall now? You couldn’t keep your family safe. What makes you think you’ve earned the right to say something like that?”


    But before the venom could spread further, Sadie spoke—her voice quiet, a little frail, but unwavering.


    “I’m exhausted. I need some rest. Alex, you’ve done more than enough already. Please… go home and sleep.”


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    Though her manner remained courteous, her gaze dropped slightly, her tone cooled by distance. The decision was final.


    She wouldn’t ept favors. She wouldn’t carry that weight.


    With a slow breath, she turned away, pulled the nket higher, and shut her eyes—her message clear: this conversation was over.


    Alex stiffened. She’d dismissed him. But what about Noah? Was he staying?


    Noah bent his head slightly, watching Sadie with a softness that flickered briefly across his face.


    Then his gaze shifted to Alex—steady, unreadable, but assertive.


    “Mr. Howe, if you will.”


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